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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
4 Mar 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League matchday predictions 2025/26 – Round of 16 first legs
All predictions for the first legs of the 2025/26 Champions League round of 16. Current form, background information, and exciting matchups. Information about the premier club competition.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League matchday predictions 2025/26 – Round of 16 first legs
With the first legs of the Round of 16, Europe’s elite competition 2025/26 enters the official knockout stage – and the grand final is edging ever closer. Our Champions League matchday prediction once again features thrilling encounters at the highest level. The seeded top teams face resurgent challengers and several surprise sides from the play-offs. Bodø/Glimt, for example, are in the spotlight. Will the surprise team from Norway continue to make international headlines after four impressive CL victories?
MERKUR Quick Tips for the Champions League Round of 16 First Legs
Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Liverpool FC
Galatasaray reached the Round of 16 thanks to a strong first leg against Juventus, although they showed defensive weaknesses in the return leg. Liverpool, on the other hand, qualified directly and are currently in good form. With four consecutive wins and significant attacking power, the English side have every chance – provided they can get their defensive vulnerabilities under control. Set pieces in particular are currently making the Reds dangerous. Overall, the superior quality therefore points towards Liverpool.
Tip: 2 + both teams to score
Newcastle United vs. FC Barcelona
Newcastle progressed confidently through the play-offs to reach the Round of 16. Against Barça, they must now eliminate defensive lapses and further develop their attacking threat. The Catalans arrive with an outstanding Lamine Yamal and a series of impressive recent victories, but will be without Lewandowski. Away from home, they also lack the powerful atmosphere of Camp Nou. Individually, however, Barça remain slight favourites.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
Atlético Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur
A strong second half in the play-off return leg against Brugge secured Atlético Madrid’s place in the Round of 16. Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth particularly impressed with three goals. The individual quality of the Red and Whites should now also give them a good chance against Tottenham. The Spurs are in a form and confidence crisis following a 1–4 derby defeat to Arsenal, accompanied by media criticism. While Atlético operate with discipline, the English side currently lack consistency and self-belief.
Tip: 1 + under 3.5 goals
Atalanta Bergamo vs. Bayern Munich
After losing the first leg, Atalanta clearly dominated Dortmund in the return leg of the play-offs. The Italians must now demonstrate pace, efficiency and attacking penetration against another German side. Bayern, who qualified directly as runners-up in the league phase, are also delivering impressive performances in the Bundesliga and are likely to use their international experience to contain Atalanta’s attacking dynamism.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal FC
An unspectacular draw against Olympiacos was enough for the Werkself to progress. However, the Champions League and Premier League leaders now represent a very different calibre of opponent. The Gunners arrive full of confidence, buoyed by a strong derby win and notable strength from set pieces, although they occasionally show signs of nerves. The Werkself must remain defensively solid to withstand this challenge.
Tip: 2
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
The heated defeat against Benfica appears forgotten after two play-off victories against the Portuguese side. Real secured progression and now face directly qualified Manchester City. In stable form, the English side have recently recorded several wins and played with growing momentum. Guardiola’s possession-based style meets Madrid’s efficiency and strength in transition. Fine margins are likely to decide this top-level clash.
Tip: Draw
Bodø/Glimt vs. Sporting Lisbon
With two wins against last year’s finalists Inter, Bodø/Glimt have built enormous confidence as underdogs. The team currently combine clinical finishing with tactical discipline. Opponents’ mistakes are punished ruthlessly. Sporting, who qualified directly, now provide the next test, although they have not been consistently in the international spotlight. However, the Portuguese side’s current winning streak is impressive. Will the Norwegians spring another surprise?
Tip: Both teams to score
PSG vs. Chelsea
In the 2–2 draw against Monaco, the defending champions appeared rather lacklustre. Thanks to the first leg, however, they still progressed – aided in part by a second yellow card for their opponents. Late defensive lapses were almost punished. Against Chelsea, they must rediscover their full potential. Although the Blues show inconsistent league performances and occasional disciplinary issues, their individual quality means they are certainly capable of matching PSG.
Tip: Draw
